‘Dr. J.J threatens to disrupt work at SPC’

Rasika Somarathna

State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) chairman Prof. S.D.Jayaratne
has lodged a complaint with the Health Ministry Secretary to the effect
that UNP Parliamentarian Dr.Jayalath Jayawardene, threatened to disrupt
work at the SPC through trade union action due to disciplinary action
taken against a SPC worker affiliated to the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS).
Prof. Jayaratne who is also the head of the State Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) explaining matters said that he had
taken steps to transfer a worker at the SPC on disciplinary grounds
following an inquiry.

The said worker who is charged with negligence of official duties is
identified as a leader of the UNP affiliated JSS branch of the SPC.

The SPC chairman stressed that the disciplinary action against the
worker was taken after he was found guilty following an inquiry. He
rejected claims that it was politically motivated as alleged by Dr.
Jayawardene.

“We first transferred the said worker from head office to Nugegoda
following an inquiry.

“Later the management of the Nugegoda branch informed me that the
said worker was not properly adhering to his job functions there as well
and suggested a punishment transfer outstation” he added.

Prof. Jayaratne said that Dr.Jayawardene of the UNP had called him
and had threatened to surround his office mobilising the JSS membership
and also had said that he would raise the issue in Parliament.

Prof. Jayaratne noted that he had informed Dr.Jayawardene that
necessary details on the charges against worker and his involvement
could be provided and described the UNP parliamentarian’s behaviour as
unfortunate and unnecessary.

Health Ministry sources said that the Secretary would provide details
of the complaint to the Health Minister today and would discuss
regarding the possible action to be taken on it thereafter.

Meanwhile when inquired UNP parliamentarian Dr. Jayawardene said that
he had called the chairman of the SPC after the said worker had
complained to him that he was being victimised due to his political
affiliations.

He said that as the president of the JSS, UNP office-bearer cum
parliamentarian, he had a moral obligation to look into the welfare and
protection of the union membership.

He said that he would raise the matter in Parliament, at the Health
Consultative committee and also would consider trade union action if the
worker is victimised.

Dr.Jayawardene called for another inquiry. He said that he was
prepared to discuss matters with the chairman in this regards.